Image Credit: Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A bill filed by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Dist. 15-Sparta) seeks to address two components related to Tennesseans’ rights to keep and bear arms by removing certain restrictions and reviving the debate about the proper age for the concealed carrying of firearms.
SB0607 would firstly seek to delete the portion of TCA 39-17-1307 that states, “A person commits an offense who carries, with the intent to go armed, a firearm or a club.”
It would also remove several other sections that use the word “unlawful” or refer to certain age restrictions for those aged 18-20 to carry a firearm or obtain a handgun permit.
Additionally, it amends TCA 39-17-1313 to replace language that places restricts the transportation and storage of firearms in a vehicle to ensure that anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm may transport and store them in a personal motor vehicle so long as it is well-secured and “kept from ordinary observation.”
These revisions would potentially help to reconcile or rectify portions of Tennessee’s “permitless” carry law that was enacted in 2021 as there was ultimately some discrepancy between the existing law, which still has provisions that make criminals out of individuals who carry a firearm for personal safety, and the “permitless” carry that was promoted and passed.
By deleting these sections in Tennessee Code, the state would be closer to having a true Constitutional Carry firearms provision.
Secondly, this bill would address the concealed carry age, which currently remains at 21, though a 2023 settlement from a lawsuit reduced the open carry age to 18 and allowed for 18-20 year-olds to apply for enhanced carry permits.
This is not the first time suggesting changes to age limits has been considered by the legislature, and the last proposal sparked robust debate in the assembly.
Lt. Governor Randy McNally was “leery” of lowering the age requirements, which did land him somewhat at odds with the House as that chamber did pass a bill that was not taken up by a Senate committee. There has not yet been any indication if McNally has changed his position or if the Senate will reconsider such a bill.
SB0607 would also insert into TCA 39-17-1307 the definition of “juvenile” to mean any minor 17 years old and under and make clear the terms under which they may possess a firearm, detailing exceptions like for hunting, target shooting at a range, or “on real property that is under the control of an adult and has the permission of that adult.”
Though it seems that these provisions should have been considered in the first attempt at permitless carry, overall, it appears the bill would remove much contradictory or confusing language while seeking to make it easier for Tennesseans to express their Constitutional rights.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
